An outside straight is a straight draw that can be completed by adding a card to either end of the sequence. In video poker and poker language, it is usually stronger than an inside straight because there are more ranks that complete the hand.
Plain Talk
An outside straight is also called an open-ended straight draw. You have four connected cards, and the missing card can come on the low end or the high end.
Example: 6-7-8-9 can become a straight with a 5 or a 10. That gives the draw more ways to complete than an inside straight such as 6-7-9-10, which needs only an 8.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Where it appears | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outside straight | Straight draw open at both ends | Poker/video poker | More completion ranks |
| Open-ended draw | Same general idea | Poker strategy talk | Stronger than gutshot in many spots |
| Inside straight | Needs one middle rank | Poker/video poker | Fewer completion ranks |
| Straight | Completed five-card sequence | Paytable/hand ranking | Determines the payout |
Where You See It
You see outside straight language in poker rooms, video poker strategy charts, game-analysis articles, and training materials. In video poker, the term appears when deciding whether four connected cards should be held or whether another option has higher value.
Why It Matters
Outside straights matter because they are more flexible than inside straights. The draw can complete on two ends, which usually means more possible completing cards.
That does not make every outside straight the correct play. In video poker, a high pair, flush draw, straight flush draw, or royal draw may still rank higher. The term helps you identify the draw type, but strategy still depends on the full hand.
Example
You are dealt:
| Cards kept | Completing ranks | Draw type |
|---|---|---|
| 6♠ 7♦ 8♣ 9♥ | 5 or 10 | Outside straight |
| 10♣ J♦ Q♥ K♠ | 9 or A | Outside straight |
| 4♠ 5♦ 6♣ 7♥ | 3 or 8 | Outside straight |
The draw has two open ends. That is why players often value it more than an inside straight. But if those cards are suited, paired, high, or connected to another possible hand, the strategy chart may change the best hold.
From the Casino Side:
From the casino side, outside straight decisions are part of video poker’s real-world hold percentage. Machines are tested and configured around approved paytables and rules, but players still decide which cards to hold.
The advertised theoretical return generally assumes correct play. Actual player behavior can produce lower returns for the player and higher hold for the casino, especially when players overvalue draws or ignore stronger made hands.
Common Misunderstanding
The common misunderstanding is thinking outside straight means “always hold.” It means the draw is open-ended, not automatically best. A strategy chart may still tell you to keep a different combination.
Hard Truth
An outside straight is better than a gutshot, but “better” is not the same as “best.” Casino math lives in the comparison.
Related Terms
| Term | Difference | Best page to read next |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Straight | Needs one middle rank | Inside Straight |
| Straight | The completed hand | Straight |
| Strategy Chart | Ranks whether the hold is correct | Strategy Chart |
| Draw Poker | The format where the decision appears | Draw Poker |
| Royal Draw | A higher-payout draw type | Royal Draw |
FAQ
Is an outside straight the same as an open-ended straight draw?
Yes. Both terms describe a straight draw that can be completed at either end.
Is an outside straight better than an inside straight?
Usually, yes, because more ranks can complete it. But the best video poker play still depends on the full hand and paytable.
Can an ace be part of an outside straight?
Sometimes. A-2-3-4 can complete with a 5, and 10-J-Q-K can complete with a 9 or A. Ace handling depends on the game’s poker rules.
Should I always hold four to an outside straight in video poker?
No. Strategy depends on paytable, high cards, pairs, flush potential, and stronger draws.
Why does the paytable matter?
Because the value of completing the straight is only one part of the calculation. Other hands may pay more or appear more often.
Deeper Insight
Outside straight draws are a clean lesson in expected value. The draw has more completion ranks than a gutshot, but it still competes against every other possible hold in the hand.
A good video poker player does not ask, “Can I hit it?” They ask, “Is this the highest-EV hold available?”
Formula / Calculation
| Metric | Formula | Plain-English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Draw EV | EV = Σ(Probability of Final Hand × Payout) | Average value of keeping this draw |
| Hit frequency | Hit Frequency = Winning Outcomes / Total Outcomes | How often the draw finishes as a paying hand |
| Payout value | Payout Percentage = Total Returned / Total Wagered | How game returns are measured over many plays |
Formula Explanation in Plain English
Outside straights have more ways to complete than inside straights, but the formula still compares all possible final hands and payouts. The correct play is the hold with the best average value, not the one that simply looks live.
Related Reading
For definitions, use the Glossary. For game context, read Video Poker and Draw Poker. To compare draw types, continue to Inside Straight, Royal Draw, and Strategy Chart. For the math behind it, read Expected Value.